veteran of the District, Simmons obtained her bachelor of arts and masters in education from UC Santa Barbara, and a doctorate from Concordia University in Chicago. Upon assuming the role of Principal, Simmons said her priorities would be college and career readiness, athletics, as well as student mental health and wellness. Demographics In 2022, U.S. News & World Report included the following demographic statistics for Santa Barbara High School: 64.7% minority enrollment; 58.9% Hispanic; 35.3% white; 1.7% Asian and 1.1% Black.; 49% economically disadvantaged; 43% free lunch; 6% reduced price lunch. School academies and special programs Academies The school has three academies: Visual Arts and Design (VADA), Computer Science (CSA), and Multimedia Arts and Design (MAD). Visual Arts and Design (VADA) VADA, a small learning community established in 1999, offers courses in painting, drawing, digital art and photography. In 2021, VADA launched a $6.5 million capital campaign to construct a new modern design lab and art studio for students to use laser cutters and 3-D printers. The new VADA center was funded by bond sales, a state grant and private donations. Computer Science Academy (CSA) The Computer Science curriculum offers computational art, software design, mobile programming, robotics and 3-D printing. In 2019, The National Center for Women in Technology awarded their annual Aspirations in Computing Award to SBHS student Ella Onishuk, co-president of the school's Girls Who Code Club, and an Honorable Mention to SBHS student Joy Patterson, vice-president of the Robotics Club. Patterson worked with a team of students to develop an award-winning app with an interactive map of Santa Barbara to boost local tourism following deadly mudslides in 2018. Multimedia Arts and Design (MAD) The MAD academy offers courses in graphic design, web design, advanced film production and advanced photo journalism. The academy also offers an annual service-learning trip to Mexico where students construct homes for families in need of housing. Performing Arts The Santa Barbara High Theater has been in operation continuously for over 100 years. The performing arts department, which partners with the Santa Barbara Theater Foundation, employs professional designers, choreographers, musical directors and guest artists to work with students. Students perform year-round in an 800-seat theater featuring state of the art lighting and sound. Past productions have included The Crucible, Chicago, 'Carrie, and Head Over Heels. Former student participants in the performing arts program include Dana Costello (Jekyll & Hyde on Broadway), Jessica Adcock Love